Chennai: In preparation for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the Chennai Police has laid out a detailed set of guidelines to ensure the celebrations are conducted peacefully, securely, and without disrupting public order. The festival, which will be observed on August 27 (Wednesday) this year, is celebrated with great fervour across the city, culminating in the immersion of idols in water bodies after several days of worship.
The police advisory comes after a high-level consultation meeting was held on August 21 at the Police Commissionerate in Vepery. The meeting, led by Additional Commissioners of Police N. Kannan, Pravesh Kumar, and G. Karthikyan, included representatives from various organizations that install Ganesh idols across the city to coordinate plans and ensure strict adherence to the rules.
Mandatory Permissions and Safety Protocols for Idol Installations
A key focus of the police guidelines is the formalization of the permission process for setting up pandals (temporary structures) and installing idols. Organizers are now mandated to obtain written permission from landowners, local civic bodies, and all other relevant government departments before erecting any structure on public streets or spaces. Furthermore, a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department and the state electricity utility, Tangedco, is compulsory to mitigate any risks of fire or electrical hazards. All these documents must be submitted to the respective local police stations for final approval before celebrations can commence.
To maintain public safety and order, the police have imposed specific restrictions: no idol can exceed 10 feet in height, and installations are strictly prohibited near places of worship, hospitals, and schools to avoid congestion and ensure accessibility for emergency services. Additionally, each installation must have at least two volunteers stationed nearby at all times to oversee security and crowd management.
Regulations on Processions and Immersion to Ensure Harmony
The Chennai Police have issued strict directives concerning the conduct of processions and the final immersion ceremony. The use of firecrackers during any procession or at the pandal sites is completely prohibited. The police have also banned the display of any political or religious banners or flags that could potentially disrupt communal harmony. Organizers have been expressly advised to ensure that no slogans are raised that could offend community sentiments.
The immersion process must be conducted peacefully and only at government-approved sites and on the designated dates. The police have emphasized that any deviation from the permitted routes for processions or the use of unauthorized immersion sites will not be tolerated.
The advisory concludes with a firm warning that any individual or organization found violating these regulations will face strict legal action. The comprehensive guidelines aim to ensure that the joyous festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm while upholding the law and ensuring the safety and harmony of all Chennai residents.